Beautiful, rare antique map titled Gothia c 1641 a southern area of Sweden, by Johannes (Joan) Blaeu (1596-1673). This is an early version with scale cartouche and 2 soldiers in the bottom left. Later the cartouche changed to incorporate cherubs and publisher's address block. The map is an accurate geographic account of Gothia/Gotaland and its counties, presented in regal glory with their respective coats of arms. The emblems of Sweden and Gothia/Gotaland are present, as is an elaborately designed title cartouche depicting the armed forces - some on horseback - and a figure in the guise of Mars driving a chariot pulled by wolves. Gotaland was the creation of political reforms introduced by King Gustav II of Sweden in 1634.

Likely from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Atlas Novus of 1641 and which appeared in later volumes until 1655. This map is from the original Latin edition published in Amsterdam between 1641 and 1655. The 1635 Atlas Novus of Willem Blaeu, the first of the series, did not contain a separate Gothia map, just Svecia or The Kingdom of Sweden, as well as other Scandinavian countries. (Ref: Stanford University online copy) This version of the Gothia map has the scale

Johannes/Joan was born in Amsterdam in 1596 and became a partner in his father’s book trade and printing business after studying law, but changing his mind on the profession. In 1638 on his father Willem's death, he was appointed his father’s successor in the Hydrographic Office of the Dutch East India Company or V.O.C, the most powerful organisation in the world that ruled the seas and the spice trade particularly. His efforts culminated in the magnificent Atlas Major and the town books of the Netherlands and Italy – works unsurpassed in history and modern times, giving eternal fame to the name of the Blaeu's. While many of the European maps featured the lastest discoveries, information on voyages and mapping of the new world, including Australia and the East Indies was jealously guarded and the shipping routes were strictly controlled.

525 x 415 mm on paper (as folded top and bottom) 575 x 444. The map is stored unfolded in a PP sleeve and will be posted rolled in a tube. Please unroll as soon as received.